When to go to Cologne?
The cathedral simply dominates: twin spires visible from the station platform next door, UNESCO-listed and dark with age. Along the river, the Museum Ludwig holds Pop Art and German Expressionism, and the Hohenzollernbrücke has disappeared under padlocks. In the old town, brewery taps pour Kölsch in small glasses a short walk from a chocolate museum with its own working production line.
Book your activities
The best time to go
For the best weather in Cologne, aim for May to August.
See also: Where to go in May? · Where to go in June? · Where to go in July? · Where to go in August?
Month-by-month weather in Cologne
| Month | ☀️ h/day | 🌧️ mm | 🌡️ °C | Score /100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.6 | 84 | 4 | 43 |
| February | 4.5 | 72 | 6 | 47 |
| March | 7.1 | 89 | 8 | 54 |
| April | 8.1 | 83 | 10 | 57 |
| May | 11.1 | 87 | 15 | 70 |
| June | 11.9 | 107 | 19 | 74 |
| July | 11.4 | 77 | 20 | 74 |
| August | 11.0 | 71 | 21 | 75 |
| September | 9.5 | 110 | 17 | 65 |
| October | 6.4 | 80 | 13 | 54 |
| November | 4.2 | 106 | 8 | 43 |
| December | 2.7 | 96 | 5 | 39 |
Estimated from 3 years of data. The score (0–100) combines sunshine, dry weather, clear skies and temperature.
The climate in brief
In Cologne, the sunniest month is June, and the driest is August (about 71 mm). Temperatures peak in August (about 21°C). Over the year, an average of 1,063 mm of rain falls, and 4 months in 12 offer ideal weather for a trip.
What to do in Cologne?
- Cathedral (Kölner Dom, UNESCO)
- Ludwig Museum (modern art)
- Old town and Hohenzollernbrücke
- Lindt Chocolate Museum
Practical info
- Country: Germany
- Station: Köln Hbf
Destinations near Cologne
Browse by destination
Got a city in mind? Its own page has the answer: when to go, month-by-month weather and what to do there. See all destinations →